What Causes Rapid Heart Rate After Taking Cortisone Shot?

Posted on Thu, 27 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 Answered on

Thu, 18 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I took a cortisone shot this morning and my heart has been beating rapidly since then. I'm a 69 yr old male and I've been taking ibuprofen for back pain but have not had any since before the shot.

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is due to the injection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing your query.
After reading your post, I would suggest that you should observe your heart rate for some time. It increases due to the cortisone injection and will settle towards normal after some time.
If it persists then contact your doctor for further management.
Drink water and have some rest for few hours.
I hope this is helpful to you. If you have any further query, I will be happy to help.
Regards. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy